South African rapper AKA shot dead while on his way to a nightclub
One of South Africa’s leading rappers, Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, has been killed outside a restaurant in Durban.
AKA was shot along with his friend, Tebello Motsoane as they were on their way to a nightclub for a performance as part of Forbes’ birthday celebrations.
The pair were walking towards their car when they were approached by two armed men, who fled the scene after shooting them at close range.
The motive of the killing is unknown and it is being investigated by local authorities who don’t want to speculate on whether the murders were a result of a hit.
Forbes began his musical career in South Africa as part of the rap group Entity before he launched his solo career.
He won several awards and is also celebrated internationally, with several nominations for a Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award in the US and an MTV Europe Music Award.
Hours before his death, the 35-year-old posted on social media about his upcoming album, Mass Country, which is set for release later this month.
Kiernan Forbes’ parents paid tribute to him in a statement posted on one of his social media accounts.
“To us, Kiernan Jarryd Forbes was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, most importantly father to his beloved daughter Kairo,” they wrote.
“To many, he was AKA, Supa Mega, Bhova and the many other names of affection his legion of fans called him by. Our son was loved and gave love in return.”
Motsoane, who was also AKA’s former manager, has been described on social media as “a true gentleman”.
South Africa is said to have one of the highest murder rates in the world and shootings are not uncommon.
